Good morning Bangkok. It's 30-33°C (86-91°F) but that won't last. The Meteorological Department's storm warning is now in effect for the Central Region and Bangkok, meaning thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hail through tomorrow. PM2.5 is still in the orange zone. Keep an eye on the sky and your notifications. Let's get into it.
🗞️ TOP STORIES
Thai Cargo Ship Hit by Projectiles in Strait of Hormuz, Three Crew Missing
Cargo Ship: Mayuree Naree
A Thai-flagged cargo ship, the Mayuree Naree, was struck by unknown projectiles yesterday while transiting the Strait of Hormuz after departing from Khalifa Port in the UAE. The 30,000-deadweight-ton bulk carrier, owned by Bangkok-listed Precious Shipping, was heading to Kandla, India when an explosion ripped through the stern, setting the engine compartment on fire. Twenty crew members abandoned ship in a lifeboat and were rescued by the Omani navy, then brought ashore in Khasab. Three crew members who were working in the engine room at the time of the explosion remain missing. The Royal Thai Navy released images showing the vessel engulfed in black smoke. The Mayuree Naree was one of at least three merchant ships hit yesterday in and around the strait, alongside the Japan-flagged One Majesty and the Marshall Islands-flagged Star Gwyneth. Since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, at least 14 ships have now been attacked in the waterway. Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about 20% of global oil and gas supply, has dropped sharply.
Bottom line: This is no longer an abstract geopolitical story. It's a Thai ship, owned by a Thai company, with Thai crew missing. Combined with yesterday's work-from-home order and the 95-day energy reserve warning, the Hormuz crisis is now directly affecting Thailand's economy and its people. The diesel price freeze expires in about 3 days. Watch fuel prices closely.
Thailand's New Parliament Opens Saturday, PM Vote Expected March 19
Parliament House, Dusit District, Bangkok
The Royal Gazette confirmed yesterday that Thailand's new parliament will hold its opening ceremony on Saturday, March 14, following the February 8 general election. King Maha Vajiralongkorn issued a royal command summoning parliament to convene from that date. The House of Representatives is expected to hold its first working session on March 15 to elect a speaker and deputy speaker. A vote on the next prime minister is expected on March 19, according to Bhumjaithai deputy leader Siripong Angkasakulkiat. PM Anutin Charnvirakul's Bhumjaithai Party won 191 of 500 seats, followed by the People's Party on 120 and Pheu Thai on 74. The coalition of Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai, along with several smaller parties, would hold approximately 290 seats, enough for a working majority.
Bottom line: The political machinery is moving fast. If the timeline holds, Thailand could have a confirmed PM by the end of next week. For expats, this means policy direction on energy, tourism, and the economy should become clearer soon. The People's Party, now in opposition, has already tabled nine reform bills including electricity market liberalization and climate legislation.
⚡QUICK HITS
Government work-from-home order remains in effect. AC set to 26-27°C in government offices, overseas trips suspended, stairs instead of elevators. If the crisis worsens, gas stations could be forced to close at 10 PM.
Thailand has banned new Cambodian workers from entering the country. Labour Minister Trinuch Thienthong confirmed the policy on March 9. About 53,809 existing Cambodian workers face permits expiring March 31.
Gulf flights still disrupted. Routes through Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi remain unreliable. If you have upcoming travel through Middle East hubs, check your airline daily.
SET closed at 1,405.76 yesterday, up 22.79 points (+1.6%). Gold at ฿77,400-77,600 per baht weight.
Thailand Mobile Expo 2026 opens today at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Runs through Sunday. Best deals on phones, laptops, and gadgets.
🍜 SPOT OF THE DAY
One of the last standing neighborhood Thai restaurants on Ekkamai Road, and it's earned that spot. Sabaijai has been here for years while condos and Japanese izakayas sprung up around it. The star is their gai yang, grilled chicken marinated in herbs and slow-cooked over charcoal until the skin crisps and the meat stays juicy. Order it with som tam (papaya salad), sticky rice in a basket, and kor moo yang (grilled pork neck) for the full Isaan spread. The menu is massive, with photos and English descriptions, covering everything from tom yum goong to curried crab. Open-air seating with an AC room if you need it. 4.3 stars on Google with 2,700+ reviews. 4.5 on Tripadvisor. ฿150-250 per person.
TIP: Go for the original location, not the copycat down the road. Search "Sabaijai (Original)" on Google Maps, or just click on the link imbedded in the name of the restaurant above. Show up before 6 PM on weekends or you'll wait. Open 10 AM to midnight daily.
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📅 EVENTS THIS WEEK
THAIFEX HOREC Asia 2026 (today through tomorrow, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani): Southeast Asia's biggest hospitality trade show. 600+ brands from 25+ countries, live kitchen demos, the ASEAN Coffee Roasting Championship, and bartender workshops. Free visitor pass with online registration. If you work in F&B or hospitality, this is your week. 10 AM to 6 PM daily.
SEVENTEEN World Tour [NEW_] (Friday-Saturday, Suphachalasai National Stadium): The 13-member K-pop group plays two nights in Bangkok. Doors at 18:00. Tickets from ฿2,500. If you don't have tickets already, check resale.
Central Cee: Can't Rush Greatness Tour (March 20-21, UOB Live at EmSphere): The UK rap star's Bangkok stop sold out night one in a single day. Night two (March 21) added due to demand. Tickets still available: ฿2,500 to ฿5,500 via Megatix. He's also doing 3 secret club nights around Bangkok beforehand. Watch venue socials for details.
Trivia Night at Brewski Rooftop, Sukhumvit Soi 11: Tonight at 8 PM. Craft beer, skyline views, and a chance to prove you know more about Bangkok than your friends do.
📜 ON THIS DAY
12 March 1930: Mahatma Gandhi began the Salt March, a 240-mile walk to the sea to protest Britain's salt monopoly. It became one of the defining acts of civil disobedience in modern history. 96 years later, people are still marching for the things that should be free.
See you tomorrow morning.
— Devon
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